Shirley Mae (Crane) Suarez

Shirley Mae (nee Crane) Suarez, age 96, of Fairmont City, IL, born on September 1, 1929, died on December 31, 2025 at Liberty Village, Maryville, IL.

Shirley was born in E. St. Louis. She was raised by her paternal grandparents, Patrick and Mary Crane, and her Aunt Mary “Sis” Polites after her parents and sister drowned in a boating accident. Shirley was 14 years old at the time. She was a 1947 graduate of St. Teresa Academy. She worked 13 years as a secretary with John Clay Livestock Commission in the National Stock Yards. She married Pete Suarez in 1959, then dedicated her life to raising six children. Shirley was known for her delicious cooking and baking skills at an early age. She was very active in her Holy Rosary Church and School. She remained a lifelong friend with her Stockyards co-workers, who all got together on a monthly basis.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Pete Suarez; her parents, William and Evelyn (nee Martin) Crane; her sister, Theresa Crane; and her loving son-in-law, Randy Markezich, who helped make sure she was always okay while in the care center these last three years.

Shirley is survived by her four sons and two daughters: Mike “Beave” Suarez, of Fairmont City, IL, Tom “Moe” (Dawn) Suarez, of Collinsville, IL, Rob (Kathy) Suarez, of East Carondelet, IL, Rick Suarez, of Fairmont City, Therese Suarez, of Fairmont City, IL, and Rita Markezich, of Collinsville, IL; grandchildren: Matt Suarez, Luke Schwartz, Adam Suarez, Joey Suarez, Kelsey Markezich; and a great grandson, Matt Suarez Jr.

Memorials are preferred to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City, IL.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City,

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City, IL with Fr. Harold Fischer, O.M.I. officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

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